The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has revealed that its personnel responded to Monday’s fatal microlight aircraft crash in Tema within three minutes of receiving a distress call, a rapid intervention officials say helped contain the situation and prevent further casualties.
Head of Public Relations at the GNFS, DO II Desmond Ackah, disclosed on JoyNews on Wednesday, March 18, that the Service received the emergency call at exactly 2:59 p.m. and arrived at the scene in record time.
“Ordinarily looking at where our station is it should have taken them about five minutes to get there, but as an emergency vehicle, it took them three minutes to get to the crash scene,” he stated.
Mr Ackah explained that upon arrival, firefighters encountered a microlight aircraft engulfed in flames after crashing. The team quickly assessed the situation and called for reinforcement from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GAPOHA) Fire Station to support efforts to control the blaze and secure the area.
He noted that some members of the public had initially rushed to the scene to assist, but emergency personnel had to take control to ensure safety and preserve evidence.
“We had to take charge and extinguish the fire as well as do extraction to retrieve the two bodies that were trapped in the mangled crashed aircraft,” he said.
According to him, effective coordination between the GNFS and other agencies, including the Ghana Police Service and Civil Aviation authorities, was crucial in managing the incident.
The collaborative effort ensured that the crash site was secured, preventing interference with debris and other materials that could be vital for investigations.
Mr Ackah further commended school authorities for evacuating students and staff before emergency teams arrived, a move he said significantly reduced the risk of additional casualties.
The crash occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026, when a Sky Arrow microlight aircraft travelling from Ho to Accra went down within the premises of the Oninku Drive School in Tema Community One.
The victims have been identified as the pilot, Captain Frank Amoaning Donkor, and his brother, Elijah Ofori Donkor, who were the only occupants on board. Despite the aircraft bursting into flames on impact, no injuries were recorded among persons on the ground.
Mr Ackah expressed condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the GNFS leadership and emphasised the need for a thorough investigation.
“We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and we pray that investigations are able to bring out the details so as to put in place measures to forestall future occurrences,” he added.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has since begun examining the wreckage, with particular attention on the aircraft’s operational history, including reports that it had been grounded for 22 years before returning to service in 2023.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com